Ornate Hemeroplanes
Common NameOrnate Hemeroplanes
Scientific NameHemeroplanes ornatus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, green, purple, yellow
HabitatTropical and subtropical rainforests, lowland forests
Geographic RangeCentral America to South America (Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil)
Host PlantsAllophylus, Serjania
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are famous for their remarkable mimicry of snakes, inflating their anterior segments to display false eyespots and a triangular head shape when disturbed. They pupate in a loose cocoon in leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cryptic patterning of olive-greens, browns, and purples, the prominent pale diagonal line on the forewing, and the overall robust hawk-moth shape. The specific arrangement of the mottled patterns and the small white discal spot are key features.
Description
This is a medium-to-large hawk-moth with a robust body and broad, angular wings. Its forewings display a complex, mottled pattern of olive-green, brown, and purplish hues, featuring a prominent pale diagonal stripe and a small white discal spot, providing excellent camouflage against bark.
